Watch Erica’s Story

Each summer, the San Antonio Food Bank works to close the summer meal gap for the 250,000 children in the regions which are most at risk for hunger. For many parents, the summer can be a worrisome time – as their children are away from their school’s free or reduced-price meals that they relied on during the work week.

Erica is a native San Antonian and came from humble conditions. Having been raised by a single mom, she and her three sisters sometimes found themselves skipping meals and were even homeless for a time. Her mother did the very best she could, which sometimes meant sharing a can of green beans for dinner. When Erica became a mother, she promised herself she would never let her children experience those same fears and struggles.

At the onset of the pandemic, Erica was working full time and even purchased her first home. She kept her job throughout the year, but child support stopped completely. After paying her bills and mortgage, there was no money left to buy groceries. Erica got a second job, but making ends meet was a daily struggle. With summer looming, having to provide additional meals for her children in her current situation was overwhelming.

She was determined to keep the promise she made to herself that her children would never go hungry. That’s when she heard about a Food Bank distribution. Erica received greens, fresh produce, and other staples. The San Antonio Food Bank was there for her when she needed it most. “I can’t thank the San Antonio Food Bank enough, they had my back, they were there for me when I thought no one was,” says Erica.

Our 25 Million Summer Meals campaign needs your support so we can continue to help moms like Erica. With your help we will provide free, nutritious meals to kids across the region this summer. No child should ever go hungry, especially in the summer. Every $1 provides 7 meals! Please send your biggest gift today to help those facing hunger this summer.